Playing in his third season in the NBA, the Argentinean Emanuel Ginobili has emerged as a true star not only on his team, but also in the league. Following is a dialogue with Manú, as the Spurs fight to advance to the next round of the 2005 NBA Playoffs.

How has your experience in these NBA Playoffs compared with previous years?
It is quite similar because each team and player knows that the opportunities to fail are smaller. We already committed several errors in the first game and we do not want it to repeat. The only difference in my favor is that I am more accustomed to the league, more established and I know what is expected of me and I feel very comfortable.

How does it feel to play in the NBA Playoffs?
It is something you have to experience and live this to understand. I feel very fortunate to be able to participate in this playoffs, with the atmosphere, the adrenalin, the pressure and I believe that I am having one of the best moments of my life. My goal is to get to the Finals.

How do you compare the intensity of the NBA Playoffs with the intensity of other basketball events like the Olympics?
There is a lot of adrenalin in those games also. But in the Olympics it is more complicated because you only have one opportunity. You cannot have start off badly and you cannot afford to have mistakes. The error margin is minimum compared with the Playoffs.

How are the San Antonio Spurs for the Playoffs?
I believe that we are in a good shape. We understand the errors that we have committed and will have to maintain our level and to demonstrate why we are here. This it is a great team, and I believe that we can get to the Finals and we will fight to do this.

And your teammates?
I believe that all the team is in a great physical and mental condition. We had some worries about the health of Tim (Duncan) last month. We were playing very well but when your star player is injured, somehow all the group feels it. It worried and we tried to play through it and I believe that that was somehow the reason why our level of play fell a bit at the end of the regular season.

What you think of the presence of another Argentinean in the NBA Playoffs?
It is very sad that Carlos (Delfino) has not been on the list because it is a very important opportunity participating in the NBA Playoffs. But he has had many problems with his knee and it is normal that they are not including in the Playoffs. On the other hand I am very happy because Andrés (Nocioni) had a great first game and I hope that he keeps it up during the series. In addition he is part of one of the surprise teams of the league this season. The Chicago Bulls has had a great season and we will already see what happens with their young team.

What is your opinion of the record number of Latin players participating in the NBA Playoffs?
Delfíno and (Anderson) Varejao arrived closely together but I believe that this number will continue growing every year and do not have doubt of this. I have heard that several Brazilian kids are about to arrive in the league soon and I am very optimistic that a pair of Argentineans also accompanies us. The level of basketball in Latin America is growing and of course we will see more and more Latin players in the NBA.

And how do you feel being part of this movement?
It is wonderful. Eduardo (Nájera) was one of first in the beginning this new group of Latin players and I am proud to be part of this. I like when they say that we have heart and determination and I believe that our form of play and being can help teams, so there is a big opportunity to the Latins players.

You also help those young people who dream about participating in the NBA in community programs like Basketball Without Borders...
I am very moved by this program. Although now I am only thinking about the Playoffs I consider that this initiative is very important. The NBA has done great work in Africa, Europe, and the previous year had much success in Brazil. I hope that other players in the NBA will take this program to my country, and it will be a great experience for all.

Indeed this program will make a visit to Bahia Blanca, your city of origin, what are your thoughts?
I have always wanted to return to my city and to do something, this will be the perfect opportunity and I am very happy about this. I believe that it will be wonderful and many boys will enjoy and will benefit from this program. For me this is very exciting.

Any message for your followers?
Just to continue supporting us because we will continue playing until we acheive our goals.